Out Of Place

AN – It might be a bit cheeky to use someone's real name as John's alias in this, but really it's a homage. I may not have particularly liked the 2004 Thunderbirds film, but there were still moments and concepts that were great. Otherwise, thanks again to everyone who has read and particularly those that have reviewed! This chapter is a bit longer but I hope you enjoy it

Disclaimer – I don't own Thunderbirds

Chapter Fourteen – On the Approaches

John made himself comfortable in the private cabin on the airplane. The steward at the airport had apologised profusely, but explained that there had been a mix up and that it wouldn't be possible for them to get a double cabin. John found he didn't mind, he needed a few moments away from Angel to gather his thoughts. Judging by her expression, she felt the same.

If he was going to be honest with himself, he was scared. Dressing up as a rich heir to con experienced criminals into giving away information on their boss's location wasn't something that any of the work with International Rescue so far had prepared him for. What he was about to do was not just out of his comfort zone, it was out of sight of his comfort zone. What was he even doing here, playing spy games with a strange woman?

He shook the negative thoughts away as best he could, sitting up straighter on the chair and reaching for the small suitcase he'd brought with him. A moment later and he had a set of Mahjong tiles sat in front of him on the small table, the rules of Tei Fuer displayed on the tablet and propped up ahead of him. He'd managed to find a set at the airport somehow, having scoured all of the duty free and eventually resorting to demanding it of the steward. To familiarise himself John started to move the tiles, trading and betting as though he was in a game.

A steward knocked on the door to ask if he wanted to join the other first class passengers for dinner, but he instead requested it be brought to the room. He continued to study the rules of the game whilst playing out various moves with the tiles in front of him.

The food came and went, John informing them that he not be disturbed again. He knew that he should probably be trying to get some sleep as it was a night flight and he would regret it tomorrow, but by now he was engrossed and determined to keep going.

Eventually another knock broke his concentration. Thinking it would be a steward again he told them to enter in a curt voice, irritated at having his earlier request ignored. When the door slid open to reveal Angel, dressed immaculately in a floaty blouse and pressed grey linen trousers, the annoyance died as quickly. Aware that he was staring, he cleared his throat.

"Hi."

"Hey Red," she looked at what he was doing. "You haven't slept this whole flight?"

"I wanted to understand the rules properly," he gestured at the table, not wanting to admit it was also a way for him not to focus on the stress of what he was actually about to do.

Angel nodded understandingly. "I doubt it matters much, you'll be able to sleep today and be fresh for this evening. But we're going to be there soon, I was just going to remind you to change outfits."

John looked down at the jeans and shirt he was travelling in. "Sure, give me a minute."

"I'll go back to my cabin," she smiled at him. "We'll be descending soon. I'll see you when we disembark." With that Angel left, leaving John to sigh out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. He picked up the suit bag and extracted the first of several suits. On leaving his own cabin, he made his way to the rather spacious restrooms to shower and change.

The John Tracy – or rather, Jonathan Frakes according to his travel documents – who stepped out of the plane looked very different to the one who had boarded. Where before he was nervous, ducking eye contact and holding on tight to his bag now he was gazing around confidently and offering his arm to the pretty woman following him.

"You're doing well," Angel murmured, tucking her hand into his elbow.

"I really hope no one realises how much I'm faking it," John replied, before thanking the steward with a smile and a hefty tip.

"Aren't we all?" Angel replied serenely as John directed where to have his luggage sent. As they were strolling through the corridors towards the concourse there was a shout from behind them and a woman in a smart suit came running up.

"Mr and Mrs Frakes? If you could follow me please, we have transport waiting."

Angel shared a quick glance with John, shrugging slightly to tell him to go along with it.

"Why thank you," John smiled at the woman. "Shall we?"

"We'll have your luggage brought out directly," the woman said as she led them into a corridor that was more opulent that the one they had just been in. "The hotel informed us that you would be arriving and requested that we provide transport for you. We hope you enjoy your stay in Macau." By now they had reached a secluded entrance where a limousine was waiting.

"Thank you very much," Angel told the woman smoothly, passing her a bill discreetly.

"Please, contact us if you have any further requests," with a bow, the woman was gone. The chauffeur was holding open the back door of the stretch car.

With a nod, John entered the car with Angel following close after. As soon as they were moving, she frowned and hit a small button near the door. Immediately a screen blocked away the driver. "This was…unexpected. I really must work with Penelope more often if this is how the other half live."

John was looking around with wide eyes. "Penelope arranged this?"

"I guess so? Are you ok?"

"It's just, it's a lot." He pulled at the collar of his suit nervously. Angel reached up and gently restrained his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"You'll stretch it if you do that. You're doing fine, no one that's seen you so far thinks you're anything other than the rich heir you're suggesting you are." She looked out the window at the passing lights of the city. "I imagine it won't be long until we're at the hotel. We'll have quite a lot of time there to rest and prepare ourselves for this evening."

John nodded, not able to bring himself to speak as the nerves reared again.

The hotel rose tall above them as the chauffeur opened the door to the limousine, extending a hand to help Angel to her feet. As John stepped out behind her, he could see the whole façade of the building was covered in flashing lights that made an elaborate display – even at eleven in the morning.

A concierge was there to greet them, primed by the chauffeur. "Mr and Mrs Frakes, it is an honour that you have chosen our hotel. Please, follow me. We have arrange a suite for you in the Mansion."

Quickly checking that the bags were accompanying them, John offered Angel his arm again and followed the concierge through the hotel lobby. They walked past a large casino floor and multiple restaurants, entering a huge central foyer that stretched tall above them. The sides were covered in screens that showed rainforest scenes, and there were large living decorations filled with plants of all kinds.

Angel squeezed John's arm tightly to remind him not to stare too much as they continued to walk across the polished floor. Eventually the concierge led them through a set of double doors that required key card to access and out into a courtyard. The hotel surrounded them with high walls of glass but overhead they could see the sky. In the centre of this courtyard stood a villa, water features and lush greenery surrounding it like an oasis in the middle of the city.

"Welcome to the Mansion," the concierge informed them, leading them up to the right hand side of it. "We have put you in the fountain suite, please do let us know if anything is not to your liking. We have a team of staff at your disposal. Would you care for refreshments?"

"Some lunch would be nice," Angel said, once it was clear that John wasn't going to say anything.

"Of course, would noon be satisfactory? We have a seven course tasting menu available, or we can provide something simpler if you would prefer."

"I think a light lunch would be acceptable," Angel told him. "Maybe some bread, cheese and fruits? We're very tired after our flight and wish to rest."

"Certainly, madam. Here we are." He opened the door to reveal a light and airy seating area, with windows that overlooked the fountains. John could see balconies outside that were covered in flowers. The whole apartment was decorated like a Mediterranean villa, with pretty floral walls and carved balustrades. "We have a bedroom here, here and here," the concierge showed them the rooms as he was talking. "The bathroom is through there, with the jacuzzi pool. You have a cinema room just through here and your dining area is here. If there is anything else you need, please do not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you," John finally spoke to the concierge, slipping him the tip he was waiting for. "We would like to rest now."

"Naturally, sir. I bid you good-day." The concierge slipped out, shutting the door behind him. As soon as he was gone, Angel retrieved a device from her bag and set it on the table. She activated it, causing a small whirring noise and a monitor to begin spinning.

"What is that?" John asked curiously.

"This is a cloaking thing," Angel frowned at it. "I don't really know what it does but Penelope gave it to me. I think Brains made it for a her a couple of years ago, it will interfere with any bugs that may be in the room." She shook her head slightly as if to dispel the thoughts. "I'll take this room, I need to think about getting some sleep after food arrives. We probably won't want to leave until about ten this evening so we'll have plenty of time to get a late dinner before heading out. The casino we'll go to is the Red Dragon, it's one of the newer casinos out here. The word in London, admittedly second hand, is that it's the place to be if you're hiring."

"Hiring what?"

Angel gave him a speculative look. "You name it. Arrangers, fixers, acquirers of rare collectibles… this is where anyone who's anyone will come to browse the opportunities."

John felt that something in this conversation was flying above his head. "Right, ok."

He was saved from having to ask what were probably embarrassingly basic questions by a knock on the door. Opening it, he saw four immaculately dressed members of the hotel staff with a small trolley.

"Lunch, sir?" The first man asked, gesturing to the trolley.

"Please," John responded, stepping back to give them access. Very quickly and efficiently the staff unloaded the food to the small dining area. One of them pulled out the chairs and the table and bowed. Feeling awkward, John took one of the seats and was presented with a napkin for his lap. Angel sat opposite him, raising her eyebrows in surprise at the level of service they were receiving. They were offered wine, cheeses and salads to accompany their sandwiches, which were made up fresh out of the multiple possible fillings and bread types the waiters had brought with them.

Once Angel and John were served most of the waiters left, leaving just one who stood discreetly to the side whilst they ate their food. Lunch was conducted in near silence, John feeling far too awkward with someone stood watching his every mouthful to attempt conversation. Looking at Angel, he felt that she was every bit as unnerved as he was by the close attendance. For the first time since they'd met, he felt on an even footing to her and it caused him to smile. He knocked his foot against hers to get her attention and then pulled a face, causing an indelicate snort.

Eventually, the tortuous meal was over and the final waiter had departed with the used plates.

"What type of place did Penelope book for us?" Angel wondered out loud.

John huffed out a short laugh. "It's like nothing I've ever experienced before!"

"Isn't your father a billionaire too?" Angel asked him curiously.

John poured himself a glass of water while he thought up the response. "Well, he was. But then he disappeared for eight years and left us to run both International Rescue and Tracy Industries by ourselves. Scott did well, but pulled back on most of the riskier investments as he just didn't have enough experience at the time to know what he was putting money into. Over time we've done well enough but International Rescue soaks up almost all of the excess, we don't get much for ourselves."

Angel had frozen whilst making herself a cup of tea. "Let's go back a moment. Your father disappeared?"

"We found him again," John reassured her. "About six months ago now. We brought him home. He'd been living in the Oort Cloud, where he'd been stranded when his space rocket was sabotaged."

"The where? And you knew he was there?"

"The Oort Cloud… it's at the very edge of the solar system. We didn't know, we just know he had disappeared, or was dead." John's tone was grim, suggesting that regardless of what he had said to his younger brothers he was in the latter category.

"For eight years… and you just ran International Rescue without him?" Angel whistled quietly. "That's… that's a lot to take on. You must have been young."

John smiled wryly. He stood over at the window to the villa, looking out at the flowers on the balcony and the fountain beyond. Angel came up beside him, almost close enough to touch but not quite. He wasn't quite sure if he wanted her closer or needed her to put more distance between them. The indecision meant that he stayed where he was, resolutely facing forwards. "We were," he said eventually. "Scott had only just turned twenty at the time, newly engaged in his first commission with the Air Force. He had to buy his way out of it and become International Rescue's first operative. For a while it was just him and Brains, then as Virgil finished his engineering degree he joined them. I went straight to astronaut training after school, by the time I finished they had put Thunderbird 5 up into orbit and I became the communications and liaison operative. I studied a university degree in computer science remotely from Thunderbird 5, we were quieter in the first years when we were still trying to keep it a secret."

"You aren't a secret organisation?" John could feel Angel's gaze on him, but didn't turn to her.

"No, it just became too complicated to hide all the time when there are cameras and spacecraft everywhere. I don't think dad really approves, but he's aware that things moved on when he was gone."

"That's a lot of responsibility given how young you all were."

John shrugged away her concern. "We managed it, got used to it and began to enjoy it. Except Scott has always hated the paperwork."

Angel huffed out a laugh. "The Scott I know would hate it too." She disappeared momentarily and returned with two cups of tea. She handed him one, then cupped her fingers around her own and blew on it gently.

"My mother died when I was a child," she said eventually. "Around eight years old, although she had been absent for a couple of years by that time. She didn't quite leave me as big a legacy as International Rescue to carry on, but she left a mission of sorts. I had to grow up very fast."

"What about your father?"

"As far as I am concerned I don't have one." Her voice grew hard. "He threw us out when I was young and indirectly led too my mother's death."

"I'm sorry."

"Thank you," she flashed him half a smile. "It's interesting, because although Scott lost his mother when he was young he doesn't really understand what it's like to grow up with no parents at all, how lost and alone you can feel without those ties there. Something tells me you do."

"I always had my brothers," John argued, before thinking a bit more deeply. About the times when his brothers just didn't understand and he wished he had either of his parents to turn to. "But yeah, I think I do."

She smiled at him again, knocking her shoulder against his in a companionable way. "I'm going to get some rest, need to be prepared for tonight. Can you see if you can contact Tintin to tell her that they need to look for the Black Phantom too? We won't be able to receive a call for a while, it would be dangerous if anyone managed to listen in to it somehow."

"I will do. Sleep well, Angel."

"You too," still cradling her tea, she slipped into one of the bedrooms. John looked at his own, untouched tea and poured it quietly down the drain before going into his own room.

It was every bit as opulent as the rest of the apartment. He pulled the latticed shutters closed before taking his communicator out and studying it carefully. He remembered Brains telling him something about being able to transmit messages with it instead of holocalls… he just had to remember how.

Finally, after pressing a lot of buttons it burst into life and a blue glow covered him. No holograms popped out at him though, just a display telling him to leave a message. Deciding that this was probably it, he started talking into it.

"Hi everyone. I'm just sending a message to let you know that Angel and I will be out of contact for a little while. We've followed some trails to where the Hood might be hiding and we're going to try to find what he did to pull us across dimensions. We think that we need to bring him home with us, whenever we work out how to do that, so we also need you to find the Black Phantom and apprehend him so that they can switch when the rest of us do. They are concerned here about advanced weaponry from our dimension falling into the wrong hands and I think I agree, plus there are some things here that I don't think we want in ours either. That's all I have for now, I'll be in touch when it's safe for me to do so. Thanks guys."

John stopped the recording and sent it before hiding the comm away from any prying eyes. Deciding that Angel's plan to sleep was a good one he made himself comfortable in the huge bed, dropping off very quickly after his all-nighter on the plane.

John woke to the sound of his alarm beeping insistently. With a grumble he turned it off, feeling groggy due to his unusual sleep patterns. But he was fairly used to it after years spent on Thunderbird 5, so he shook himself awake and went to get showered.

Dressed up in one of the many suits now hanging in his wardrobe, he left his room to find Angel sitting in the lounge area reading a tattered paperback. She hadn't yet dressed and was instead wearing a pair of loose fitting pyjamas.

"Hi," she smiled up at him. "Feeling better?"

"Much," he replied, noticing how true it was. Perhaps he should have slept on the flight after all.

"I ordered some food," Angel was saying as she gestured to the dining room. "This time I managed to persuade them to leave it and come back later to collect it." She stood up and padded over to it in bare feet. "They've just brought a selection of cold meats and salads, I thought we wouldn't want anything heavy." She looked back and frowned when she saw he hadn't moved at all. "Is anything wrong?"

"No… thanks for sorting out food." John didn't comment on how much more open she now was with him, presumably after their discussion earlier. It was strange seeing her without the guarded expression she seemed to habitually wear, it made her seem younger and brought some softness to her face.

"Ok, great. I'll just grab a plate." She knocked a fork to the floor and bent over to pick it up, muttering to herself. John felt his throat go very dry when her baggy pyjama top lifted up as she did so, he hurriedly tore his gaze away. He moved towards the buffet, grabbing his own plate and beginning to load it with the food available. The hotel had outdone itself again, all manner of delicacies were laid out in front of them. Many looked like local dishes, with some steamed buns and dumplings alongside some form of shrimp soup with noodles.

Through the meal, Angel and John went over their plans for tonight. They would enter the casino, then John would play some of the baccarat tables to try to gain the attention of the staff while Angel headed to the bar and kept her ears open. With any luck, John would be approached about joining one of the Tei Fuer tables in a private room, at which point Angel would join him. The goal tonight wasn't to find out everything, but to start being taken seriously enough to be invited into the big games on future nights.

The meal finished and cleared away by more diligent waiters, Angel disappeared into her room to get ready. John pulled out the Mahjong tiles and began to shift through moves, trying to get to a point where playing was instinctive.

A long time had passed before Angel's door opened up again. John flicked his eyes up to see her, immediately dropping the tiles everywhere as his hand slackened at the sight. She was wearing a long purple dress, a slit up the side almost indecently high up her thigh. The front showed considerable amounts of cleavage as it was split almost to her naval, pinned together across her breasts with the slightest stitching. It looked as though it might fly apart at any moment, presumably the point of the design. She had a delicate gold shawl draped around her shoulders and gold heels that added several inches to her height. Her hair was loose and cascaded around her face, large golden hoop earring peeping out and accentuating her neck. She was also clutching a small purse nervously in front of her.

"Is it ok?" she asked with a worried expression on her face. "It's far more revealing than anything I'd usually wear, but Penelope seemed to think it would be fine."

John shot to his feet, realised he was gaping and shut his jaw with a snap. "You look incredible," he croaked out when his voice finally worked again. "No one is going to be able to forget us after they've seen you."

Angel blew out her breath. "Ready?"

John straightened his suit and offered her his arm. "As I'll ever be."

"Let's go and find us a dragon, then."